Football
Sides all set for big kick-off

THE MIDLAND Alliance season kicks-off tomorrow and both Alvechurch and Studley will be in action.

The Bees have a tough opener at home to Coventry Sphinx as the new managerial team of boss Lee Knight and number two Ian Mitchell take charge of their first competitive fixture, whilst Alvechurch have an away day at Boldmere St Michaels.

The action continues on Tuesday when Alvechurch welcome relegated Stourport Swifts to Lye Meadow and Studley head to Bridgnorth Town.

Meanwhile, the draw for the first round of the Polymac Services League Cup has pitted Alvechurch at home to Westfields in the first round and the winners will travel to Studley - who have a first round bye - in round two.

Redditch United boss Simon Redhead will be hoping his side can bounce back from successive friendly defeats when they host Rushall Olympic in their latest pre-season encounter tomorrow at the Valley.

The Reds were without a host of players due to injuries and unavailability for Saturday’s trip to Solihull Moors, who powered into a 4-0 lead before the visitors rallied in the final quarter and pulled two goals back.

Will Richards headed home from a corner for the visitors before trialist Charisma Agbonlahor - brother of Aston Villa’s Gabriel - showed neat footwork before thundering home the goal of the game to give Redhead something to think about.

Redditch produced an improved performance as they went down 2-1 at home to League One outfit Walsall on Tuesday.

Saddlers manager Dean Smith fielded several first team squad members and his men took a 2-0 lead into the break thanks to goals from former Reds loanee midfielder Jake Jones and striker Febian Brandy.

Also amongst the visitors’ ranks were defender Richard Taundry and striker George Bowerman, so the hosts were testing themselves against quality opposition.

Redhead’s side reduced their arrears three minutes into the second half through a goal from Richards, but could not find an equaliser.

The main emphasis at the Valley now ahead of United’s Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division opener at Hitchin Town on August 18 will be nursing several players back to fitness.

Captain Alex Hickman is still yet to feature in pre-season because of a toe injury, whilst fellow defender Joe Hull faces a few weeks out after work on a dislocated shoulder.

Mark Danks limped off at Moors on Saturday and there are concerns about several other players too, meaning it is all to play for as Redhead continues to weigh up his options ahead of the big kick-off.

Meanwhile, the Reds have been drawn to visit Stourbridge in the first round of the Red Insure Cup on Tuesday, October 16.

A REDDITCH UNITED XI will take on a Manchester United Legends side at the Valley Stadium on Sunday, September 9.

The visitors’ team is expected to feature Dennis Irwin, David May, Lee Martin and many more famous names. Gates open at noon and general admission is £5. You can also go VIP and meet the legends for £40. For more details call the club on 01527 67450.

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